Nets’ G Saraf Feels Like the ‘Game Has Slowed Down'

Ben Saraf is primed for a breakout sophomore season for the Brooklyn Nets after a busy summer has slowed the game down for him ahead of training camp.

Saraf struggled during his rookie campaign, averaging 7.5 points, 3.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds across 44 games. He shot an abysmal 39.6% from the field and 21.1% from three-point range.

As one of Brooklyn's five first-round picks, there weren't many flashes early in the season until coach Jordi Fernández started experimenting with the rotations and assignments. Saraf saw more on-ball reps in March and April, resulting in more aggressive outings and acclimation to physical defenses.

He scored a career-high 22 points against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 19, and ended the season scoring 15 or more points in four straight games.

Saraf has carried that momentum into the offseason, focusing on mastering what he learned in his rookie season.

“During my workouts over the past few months, the Summer League and our team practices, I already feel like the game has slowed down for me a bit," Saraf told The Jerusalem Post. "You have to get used to the pace and understand better what’s expected of you. This summer, I’m focusing a lot on improving my shooting, getting stronger physically, learning how to take care of my body and how to prepare for games."

One of his goals for next season is to play a meaningful role with the team at the beginning of the season rather than the end.

There is one role available for him to compete for in training camp in late September: backup point guard.

Brooklyn drafted Mikel Brown Jr. with the sixth overall pick in June, and he's likely going to start immediately as the point guard. The team also signed Keon Ellis, and he's a shooting guard, which left the backup point guard spot vacant.

Saraf is going to compete against fellow first-rounder Nolan Traoré, with whom he shared on-ball reps. Both have improved this offseason, adding much-needed muscle and earning praise from teammate Chaney Johnson.

The 20-year-old has a slight advantage over his competition, having played in the summer league while Traoré missed the event due to a knee scope. Saraf still struggled from an efficiency perspective, averaging 10 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists on 37.3% from the field across six appearances.

His three-point shooting improved, as he made 33.3% of his attempts. The ability to space the floor could be a significant determining factor in whether Saraf wins or loses the competition.

He's made strides throughout the summer, and the game isn't as fast as it was before. It's an encouraging sign for the Nets, who view him as a core piece and need to see one more player from the Flatbush Five emerge as a contributor.